DAGALA 1000 LAKES TREKKING TOUR (ADVENTURE)

Duration : 9 Nights / 10 Days
Destinations : Paro – Thimphu - Thimphu – Geynekha – Gur – Labatama - Panka – Tsheregang - Talikha – Chamgang – Simtokha – Paro

The 10 day trek through many pristine lakes of Bhutan is a natural discovery in its own right. The trek continues and brings with its stunning natural beauty in the form of Himalayan scenery. Enroute, one can also enjoy the enriched Bhutanese culture while crossing traditional villages. In all, a perfect opportunity for those who wish to explore the shrouded culture of Bhutan while participating in Dagala 1000 lakes trekking tour.

Day 1. – Arrive Paro Airport to Thimphu Valley (1 hr 30 mins)
After clearing immigration and customs, meet Destinations Beyond India representative for assisted transfers to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu in itself is a magical joyride. The scenery glides through turns and offers tourists an interesting view of the last Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan and its traditionally built houses and buildings.

Upon reaching Thimphu, check in the hotel for overnight stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot including visits to the Golden Buddha, National Memorial Stupa and Takin Preserve. Later feel free to enjoy a wander through Thimphu’s main streets. Overnight Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Geynekha – Gur (7 kms / 5 hours).
The trek starts from the beautiful Geynekha village. The villages of this region produce famous matsutake and chantarelle mushrooms. Wander through terraced fields and coniferous vegetation then the true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and plenty of birds. Begin the short descent down to the river crossing followed by two hours of gradual uphill climb until you reach the huge rock platform, which offers a picturesque view of the valley. After another two hours of trekking you will reach Gur (3,290m) amongst abundance of flowers where you camp for the night. Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 3: Gur – Labatama (12 km / 5 hours)
Whilst trekking across the ridges one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. The path winds through flowers and wild asparagus (in spring) and the meadows are refreshing and inspiring. The first pass symbolised by a huge cairn gives a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass one will view the whole Dagala range, meadows and Yak herders camp. Once descended into the Labatama valley you ascend gradually through the valley passing some Yak herder huts till you reach Utsho Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake, where plenty of golden trout flourish. (4300m). Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 4: Labatama Valley Tented Campsite
Enjoy a day at leisure relaxing and exploring Labatama valley. For the energetic choose from a range of day excursions to either Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho Lake. Camp at Labatama (4300m) Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 5: Labatama – Panka (8 km / 4 hours)

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at (4520m) from where you have again a majestic view of the prominent Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Masang Gang, Gangchhenta, Tsenda Gang and Jichu Drake. If you want an even better view you can climb to a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some Yak herder huts to Doccha Chuu. You follow the river for a while, staying higher up on the slope until you reach Panka. On this route Himalayan Monal Pheasants are a common sight. Camp at Panka (4,000m). Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 6: Panka – Tsheregang (8 kms / 4 hours)
This day entails the crossing of several passes, none of them affording a major climb, and often with an abundance of mountain birds. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4180m) you start a long descent to Tsheregang. You will camp at Tsheregang (3080m). One also has a great view of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu from here. Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 7: Talikha – Chamgang: (6 km / 3 hours)
From the monastery it is a short hike down to the feeder road with will lead you to the Village of Chamgang.

Simtokha to Paro: (1 hour 20 mins)

On completion of the trek you are collected and transferred to your overnight accommodation in the Paro Valley. Enjoy a restful afternoon to do as much or as little as you like. Perhaps watch a game of archery, take a well deserved spa or massage treatment at the Zhiwa Ling Resort. Overnight Paro Valley

Day 8: Activities in the Paro Valley.

Your sightseeing options today include a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang and tour the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory (14km from Paro) from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again.On a clear day views of the 24,000 ft snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Jhomolhari can be seen.of the ancient Drugyel Dzong ruins. Enjoy lunch today in a traditional Bhutanese restaurant in Paro Town, before visiting Paro Dzong with it’s cantilever bridge and wander along Paro main street, shopping for handicrafts and local jewellery. Overnight Paro Valley

Day 9: Sightseeing in the Paro Valley.

This morning take a pilgrimage hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. This is Bhutan’s most revered monastery and all Bhutanese Buddhists strive to make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. Each step along the trail accrues merit points for their future. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself.

Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000 ft above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.

This afternoon perhaps enjoy a well earned massage or hot stone bath at the spa. Overnight Paro Valley

Day 10: Departure
Early morning departure from the Zhiwa Ling Resort hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.